Which of the following must be proven in a tort lawsuit?

In a tort lawsuit, the fundamental requirement is to establish that there has been an act of omission, or commission, which has resulted in harm or injury to another party. This definition encapsulates key elements of tort law, such as duty of care, breach of that duty, causation, and actual damages. Essentially, it must be shown that the defendant had a legal obligation to act or refrain from acting in a certain way, and that failure to meet that obligation led directly to an injury or harm suffered by the plaintiff.

This principle underscores the nature of torts, where the focus is primarily on the conduct that causes harm rather than on the breach of contract or other non-tortious behavior. In tort cases, it isn't necessary to prove that a right was infringed in the same way it might be in a constitutional law context, nor is it sufficient to demonstrate deception or breach of contract, which falls under distinct legal categories and does not necessarily imply harm in the way tort law is structured. Thus, the proof of harm due to either action or inaction is central to establishing a valid tort claim.